the state of the heart

I just returned from my cardiologist, lovingly nicknamed “Dr. Bling Bling.”

Last week, I had an echo-cardiogram to determine if my heart has improved since I was in the hospital four months ago. The test showed that my heart has strengthened and is returning to its normal shape. My ejection fraction has improved, but not enough to take me out of the danger zone. My ef is up from 10%, but still well below 35%, so I will be seeing a doctor that specializes in defibrillators next week. On Monday, I am scheduled to have a T Wave test.

What’s that?

The T wave alternans (TWA) test uses an electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement of the heart's electrical conduction.

The microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) is a non-invasive heart test that can identify patients who are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death. It is most often used in patients who have had myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) or other heart damage to see if they are at high risk of developing a potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmia.

Those who are found to be at high risk would therefore benefit from the placement of a defibrillator device which can stop an arrhythmia and save the patient's life.

For more information on the T-wave test,

visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T_wave_alternans

Bottom Line

The results of my echocardiogram alone were not enough to determine whether or not a defibrillator is necessary. The T-wave test will provide additional information to determine this.

My heart is working better than it was four months ago, but still below the minimum acceptable levels.

I will continue to take medication – Coreg was doubled to continue the progress of strengthening the heart.

My heart is still alarmingly weak and I am still at high risk of heart failure.

To defibrillate or not to defibrillate?

After the test on Monday and the consultation with the "electrician" (cardiologist specializing in the electronics of the heart) on Wednesday, I will know more about the defibrillator.

Surgery to Implant a Defibrillator (According to hearthelp.com)

Implanting a heart device involves making a small incision, approximately 2 inches, in the upper chest, and guiding leads (thin insulated wires) through a vein and into your heart. It is not an open heart procedure. Patients are generally awake throughout the procedure, and a local anesthesia is typically used.

Your doctor will then connect the lead wires to the implanted heart device and program the device settings. Finally, the heart device will be inserted beneath the skin and the incision in your chest will be closed. Most people stay in the hospital overnight and go home the next day.

Before the procedure you will be given medication to make you sleepy and comfortable. After the implant you may see a slight bulge under your skin where the device is located. The leads are very thin and will not be visible.

You will usually stay in the hospital overnight and receive instructions for home care. You may be asked to restrict movement of the arm near the device for a short period after the implant.

For more information, visit http://www.hearthelp.com/sca/defibrillator-surgery.html

Azaleas are in bloom all over.
This is from my front yard.


A quick update.

On Tuesday, I had my echo-cardiogram.

The technician who administered the test was not able to read it, but she did suggest that the medication was "helping."

In the meantime, I am spending time with my parents, going on stamina-building excursions,
organizing my entire picture collection, and exploring the Internet. I won't be running any races anytime soon, but I feel stable and centered, which must be a silver-lining.

I will be posting following my results next Tuesday. Wish me luck!

Echocardiogram on Tuesday

Over the last few weeks, I have started to feel much better.

My spirits are up.


(picture taken circa 1980)

I managed to stay out of trouble since my dad has been gone.


(picture taken circa 1996? please note: eyebrow ring)

I have been cooking!!



I am reorganizing my photo collection.


(I am on the left, sitting next to my sister, Anne Marie.)

I have been taking a lot of photos of whatever is around me.


(Dumpster I parked next to on Valentine's Day.)

I try to get out each day on an "outing" of some sort - groceries, dinner, movie, etc.


(Bob White, Betty Francis, me, Susan Demato)

My weight, blood pressure, and heart rate have been stable.

I will be having the first echo-cardiogram since my hospital stay in November on Tuesday, March 17 (St Patricks Day). This test will determine whether the medications I have been taking have improved my heart. I will find out the results of the test on March 24. I am not sure what will happen next...pacemaker? more meds? Will know more soon.


From youtube

normal echo dilated cardiomyopathy


From Wikipedia

An echocardiogram, often referred to in the medical community as a cardiac ECHO or simply an ECHO, is a sonogram of the heart. Also known as a cardiac ultrasound, it uses standard ultrasound techniques to image two-dimensional slices of the heart. The latest ultrasound systems now employ 3D real-time imaging. (click here to see an echocardiogram)

In addition to creating two-dimensional pictures of the cardiovascular system, an echocardiogram can also produce accurate assessment of the velocity of blood and cardiac tissue at any arbitrary point using pulsed or continuous wave Doppler ultrasound. This allows assessment of cardiac valve areas and function, any abnormal communications between the left and right side of the heart, any leaking of blood through the valves (valvular regurgitation), and calculation of the cardiac output as well as the ejection fraction.

I plan to post after my March 24th appointment.